Semi-truck accidents in Greenwood nearly always result in severe injuries and even fatalities, as the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles are massive compared to cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. According to the FMCSA, there were over 5,500 crashes involving large commercial vehicles in Indiana, killing 131 people and leaving nearly 1,700 seriously injured.

At Habig Injury Law, we know how challenging these cases can be. Trucking companies and their insurers have the financial means to fight insurance claims and protect their bottom line. What makes us different is that we used to defend large firms in the trucking industry and other fields. But now, we use our experience and insights to demand maximum compensation for injured clients.

Why Choose Habig Injury Law for Your Truck Accident Case in Indiana?

When you’re dealing with semi-truck accident injuries, getting fair compensation isn’t easy. Truck accident cases involve complicated federal regulations, insurance companies with teams of lawyers looking out for them, and trucking corporations that will fight to minimize your compensation. 

At Habig Injury Law, we know how these companies operate and won’t settle for less than what you deserve. Here’s why so many clients across Indiana have trusted us with their trucking accident claims:

• Former Defense Experience: Our personal injury attorneys previously defended trucking companies, so we know how they try to shift blame to victims. This insider perspective helps us anticipate their moves and counter them before they can weaken your case.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure a fair settlement or verdict for you. This approach gives you access to quality legal representation without worrying about paying hourly fees or coming up with a retainer.
• Thorough Investigation: Our experienced truck accident lawyers gather and preserve evidence like driver logs, driver cell phone records, maintenance records, and black box data before it can be hidden or destroyed. Our legal team also moves fast to interview witnesses while their memories of the truck crash are fresh.
• Strong Medical Network: We connect you with doctors who treat truck accident injuries and can create a medical record of how badly you’ve been hurt. You’ll get the medical care you need as well as strong documentation to back your legal claim.
• We’re Trial Ready: While many law firms settle quickly, we prepare every case for trial, which often leads to better settlement offers. Our reputation for taking cases to court means defendants know we’re serious about fighting for full compensation.

At Habig Injury Law, we’ve seen how 18-wheeler accidents can change lives forever. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you need during this difficult time.

Why Is It Important To Hire a Greenwood Semi-Truck Accident Attorney?

Truck collisions are not the same as typical car crashes. Not only are the injuries more severe, but you’re dealing with complicated federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and aggressive corporate legal teams. Without legal representation, you’re likely to accept far less compensation than your case is worth.

Take it from us because we’ve been there: trucking companies and their insurers have experienced lawyers who immediately move to reduce liability and limit damages. They also know that unrepresented truck accident victims typically settle for smaller amounts because they either don’t realize the value of their claims or know how to fight for the outcome they need.

A Greenwood semi-truck accident attorney levels the playing field by investigating, preserving evidence, and identifying all liable parties. Your lawyer will collect and review driver qualification files, maintenance records, hours of service logs, and electronic data from the truck’s onboard systems. This evidence often reveals violations that directly contributed to your accident, but it can disappear quickly if not preserved through quick legal action.

Insurance providers for trucking firms carry policies worth millions of dollars, but they won’t offer fair compensation without pressure. A skilled lawyer will calculate the cost of your injuries, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, and send a demand letter for the full amount. You can rest and recover while your trucking accident attorney handles negotiations and, if necessary, takes your case to trial.

What Compensation Can You Get in a Truck Accident Case in Indiana?

Commercial vehicle accident victims in Indiana can recover financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses related to the crash. Below is an overview of common types of damages awarded in truck accident claims:

• Medical Expenses: You can recover costs for all medical treatment related to your truck accident injuries. This includes emergency room visits, hospital bills, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment like wheelchairs or braces. Future medical bills are also recoverable if your doctors determine you’ll need ongoing treatment, additional surgeries, or long-term care.
• Lost Wages and Income: This compensation covers the paychecks you’ve missed due to severe injuries and any reduction in your earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working the same number of hours, you can seek damages for this lost income. The court also considers lost benefits, bonuses, vacation time, and career advancement opportunities that you may have lost.
• Pain and Suffering: Indiana law allows you to recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship. The amount you may receive largely depends on the extent of your injuries and how they impact your daily life.
• Property Damage: You can seek compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement, personal items damaged in the crash, and rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired. If your car contained work equipment, tools, or cargo that was damaged, these losses are also recoverable. The insurance company must pay the fair market value of damaged property that can’t be repaired.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving drunk driving, reckless driving, or willful misconduct by a negligent truck driver, our Greenwood semi-truck accident attorneys may seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. These damages, which are meant to deter future negligent actions, are capped at three times your compensatory damages or $50,000, whichever is greater.

How Much is the Average Truck Accident Settlement?

Insurance adjusters or their lawyers often quote “typical” settlement amounts, but they’re misleading because truck collision damages vary. Each case is different, so your compensation will depend on how badly you were hurt and the extent to which your life has been impacted or changed.

Injury severity is one of the main guidelines. If you can no longer work due to a traumatic brain injury or you need ongoing medical treatment for severe burns, your claim will be worth more than if you suffered whiplash or a sprain. It is important to note that since truck collisions tend to cause catastrophic injuries, the financial recovery is usually higher than you might experience with a passenger vehicle claim.

Your personal injury lawyer will also look at financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as intangible damages such as chronic pain, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium. If the commercial truck driver was drunk, texting, or violating federal safety regulations just before the collision, your case may even include punitive damages that increase the total value. 

Insurance adjusters will try to settle quickly for small amounts, so having legal representation ensures you receive fair compensation based on the actual impact of your injuries. You typically have only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Indiana, so don’t wait too long to explore your legal options.

Steps To Take After a Semi-Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, you should immediately take steps to protect your safety and well-being. If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights, and set up flares or reflective triangles (if you have them). If anyone is seriously injured, don’t attempt to move them unless they’re in immediate danger from fire or oncoming traffic.

Other recommended actions include:

• Call 911 immediately: Report the accident to the police and request medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Many truck accident injuries, including concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, don’t show symptoms immediately. The police accident report will summarize what happened and may include the officer’s opinion about who was at fault.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and the position of both vehicles before they’re moved. Make sure you get pictures of the commercial truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company name. If you’re too injured to take photos yourself, ask a witness or family member to do it for you.
• Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the semi-truck driver, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing for the accident. It’s also a good idea to collect contact information from any witnesses, as their statements can support your compensation claim.
• Contact an Experienced Attorney: Call a Greenwood semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Truck companies try to minimize their liability from the moment an accident occurs, but an attorney can immediately send preservation letters to prevent the firm from destroying driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data that could prove their negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident in Indiana?

Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, where usually only one or two drivers are involved, commercial trucking accidents can include several defendants. Depending on what caused the crash, they may include: 

• The Truck Driver: The driver can be held liable for accidents caused by speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or drowsy driving. Many motor carrier accidents happen due to driver fatigue, which happens when they exceed the amount of time they’re allowed to be on the road.  
• The Trucking Company: Commercial trucking companies can be liable for negligent hiring, failing to conduct proper background checks, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations. They’re responsible for maintaining their vehicles, training their drivers, and ensuring compliance with federal trucking regulations. 
• Truck Manufacturers: When defective truck parts or design flaws contribute to an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable under product liability laws. Common defects include equipment failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, and faulty coupling systems. 
• Cargo Loading Companies: Companies responsible for loading cargo can be liable if improper loading, securing, or weight distribution causes an accident. Overloaded trucks, improperly secured cargo that shifts during transport, or loads that exceed legal weight limits can cause drivers to lose control. 
• Maintenance Companies: Third-party companies that service trucks can be held liable for accidents caused by improper maintenance or failure to identify safety problems during inspections. When these companies cut corners or fail to follow manufacturer specifications, it can lead to mechanical failures and serious accidents. 
• Government Entities: In some cases, government agencies can be liable if dangerous road conditions contributed to the accident. This might include inadequate signage, poor road design, construction zones without proper warnings, or failure to repair known hazards. Personal injury claims against government entities have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines than typical personal injury cases.

How Is Fault Determined in a Semi-Truck Accident in Indiana?

The fault in a semi-truck accident in Indiana is determined through evidence such as police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and electronic data from the vehicle’s onboard systems. Insurance carriers and courts examine this evidence to determine which party violated traffic laws, federal trucking regulations, or basic safety standards before the collision. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will thoroughly gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case that clearly establishes liability and maximizes your compensation.

Speak to an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact Habig Injury Law in Greenwood and Bloomfield, Indiana, for a free consultation, and let us fight for every dollar that you’re owed. Call our offices at 866-558-1139 or fill out the form below, and one of our representatives will reach out to get you started.

Is your question not answered?  Contact us today and we will answer all your questions.

Our attorneys at Habig Injury Law have a deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations. With a background in defending trucking companies, we know the strategies they use to minimize liability. We use this knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Our team will gather all necessary information, including accident reports, driver’s logs, and maintenance records, to build a strong case. Contact us at 317-642-3813 for a free consultation before speaking with any insurance company representative. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the full compensation owed to you.

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact Habig Injury Law in Greenwood and Bloomfield, Indiana, for a free consultation and let us support you in securing the compensation you deserve. Call our offices at 317-642-3813 or fill out the form below, and one of our representatives will reach out to get you started.